Need guidance on when and where to stay w/ little guys.

[andijean]

We have never stayed on-site, but are trying to decide if it is worth it for us. Also, if we do stay on-site when and where? Let me give you some background. Our family consists of me, DH, DS(5) & DS(3). My DS(5) has some issues and there are some things that we know will help his stay more enjoyable. Last visit was in a 2 bedroom condo w/ kitchen and laundry, and living room. So, trying to decide if giving some of those ammenities up will be worth the stay on-site. Some of the things we would like to have is:
- not long wait times for transportation,
- a resort with sand(he loves to dig),
- playground, quieter(noise level) resort (maybe a little lower key),
- pool,
- maybe a refrigerator in room to alleviate need to always eat out,
-a room that maybe had a balcony or sitting spot outside room, so when boys go to sleep we don't have to spend the night reading in the bathroom
-here's the kicker...would like to do this for under $150/night

Any recommendations?

Also, when do you think the best time to go is? I say the new dining rates for Sept & Oct and was thinking end of Sept, Nov, or Dec. We are flexible and can go whenever is best. Last year we went 2nd week in Feb and the crowd and noise level was at peak. This time I would like the lowest crowd level and least price so we can try on-site.

Thanks for the input. Am looking to here your insight.

Andrea

 

[Disneyjosh229]

The only resort that meets your "requirements" would be Carribbean Beach Resort. Depending on season, rates will run you about $150-$175 per night.

 

[jordanyosh]

Space, especially with kids, is hard to give up.....That said, I would imagine that CBR would be your best bet as the other poster had suggested. The bus transportation would be decent, but you may have 15 minute waits...You could pull the two chairs from inside out to the walkway in the evenings ( I have seen many people do it). There is definitely lots of sand at CBR and it fits your budget.

I would suggest a few times to go. Late September before the MNSSHP and Food and Wine Festival starts. Late April/Early May. January, if you can avoid MLK Weekend and Cheerleaders. First few weeks of Dec also good. Generally speaking these are the best times to go with the lightest crowds. Weather in the winter months is unpredictable. Your son may not want to dig in the sand when it is 55 outside.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

One option I am exploring for our next trip is renting points from a DVC member. You can rent points for about $10/point and a one bedroom villa at Old Key West or Boardwalk Inn Villas would run $160-180/night in Sept. or Oct. And there is no tax on top of that rate. Studios are even less expensive and have a kitchenette, instead of a full kitchen. There's lots of info on this on the DVC forums here. You might want to check it out.

Christy

 

[tiggersmom2]

Hi!

Just wanted to let you know that I just got back from the Contemporary Resort. We were in a standard wing room - first floor. We had a patio and my 2 year old loved playing in the grass!

There was a wonderful kid's play area by the pool: it consisted of water fountains shooting out of the ground...GREAT fun for a 2 year old. The playground is top notch and there is sand galore near the beach.

The monorail can not be beat. I never had to worry about lugging a stroller on the bus!


Best of all, I had a code and got all of this for $144.00 a night.

 

[HopperFan]

CSR (moderate) also has some sandy beach areas and the playground is really nice there, close to the pool. Large pool was never crowded and quiet pools were empty. We found the resort to be peaceful. I think because many guests are there for business, there seemed like there were much fewer children. Does not share transportation. Check out photos on Buzz's site http://coronado_springs.tripod.com/

Check codes for AKL. Big resort, but we always felt it was very quiet and relaxing. There you will get your own balcony with chairs. Does not share buses and we found they were very efficient. Lots of kid activities that are low key type. The playground was always empty (and both trips we went in summer) and it has sand in it. Nothing more peaceful than watching the animals, areas to watch firepit, hear water streaming. Oh, and good rates are available there. We once paid $119.

Great rate, TiggersMom - there you get the monorail too.

 

[epcotfan]

Caribbean Beach and CSR do not have balconies or patios. You might want to check out the Wilderness Lodge since they have a small beach and the rooms have balconies. Sometimes you can get discounts that bring the room to under $150.00 a night.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

You didn't mention when you were planning on going? If your trip is several months away I would also consider the possibility of renting DVC points for your stay. The extra amenities in the villas are nice-- especially with two little ones.

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

Would highly recommend Wilderness Lodge, standard or Woods view if you can get a code discount or spend a little more. We have very active 4 year old girl and extremely active 18 mos. girls. They played on beach for a long time, small playground, good pool, boat to Fort WIlderness where you can got to Chip and Dale movie night/marshmallow roast and to see the stables. Boat to Contemporary which has a great and cheap arcade. Best of all boat to MK. If kids fall asleep in stroller leaving MK, you can roll them onto the boat without breaking down the stroller. Great themed resort. We paid $155.00 for woods view ( annual passholders rate) after we put kids to bed we could sit on out balcony(room 5030) and view fireworks over MK while we had a drink. We went for 9 days so it was worth one of us getting AP for discount on meals, waterparks, and room. We consider this resort to be a vacation on its own and plan days just to hang out there.

 

[Gillian]

Old Key west doesn't have sand and the transporation is all by bus, but a studio there will have a mini fridge, microwave & toaster. They all have balconies. It's quiet. If you have a car you can park it in front of your building. A one bedroom is big! Full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room, jacuzzi. Not sure how much it would cost, but it's worth checking into.\

Early september is very, very quiet. Things start to pick up in October. I think a lot of Florida schools have early october breaks and other places are closed for columbus day (just found out we are, in NJ).